NPJ Science of Food最新文献

Quality assessment of crude palm oil remains a critical challenge globally, particularly in resource-poor areas where traditional methods are time-consuming and destructive. This study explores machine learning-assisted Raman spectroscopy for non-destructive assessment of peroxide value (PV) and iodine value (IV) in palm oil. Raman spectra were collected from 200 samples from five Ghanaian markets, with second derivative preprocessing significantly enhancing feature resolution. Twelve predictive models were developed by combining three variable selection algorithms (CARS, GA, UVE) with three regression methods (PLS, SVM, RF). The genetic algorithm-random forest (GA-RF) model demonstrated exceptional prediction accuracy for both PV (Rp = 0.9831, RPD = 7.7397) and IV (Rp = 0.9752, RPD = 6.3927). Key spectral regions associated with unsaturation (1287-1657 cm⁻¹) and oxidation (1748-1840 cm⁻¹) were identified as crucial predictors. This approach enables rapid, non-destructive quality assessment with potential applications throughout the palm oil value chain.

Despite its significant potential, cultivated fat manufacture remains a relatively inefficient process, as it primarily uses source preparations of animal-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) that are poorly defined and highly heterogenous in nature, containing only relatively minor fractions of bona-fide adipocyte progenitors. The aim of this study was to use RNA-sequencing of clonal MSC populations from cattle to identify cell surface marker(s) of bona-fide pre-adipocytes to be used for efficient enrichment of MSCs, with a view to future cultivated fat applications. Adipose-derived MSC populations (n = 5 animals) were grown clonally from single cells and subsequently tested for adipogenic capacity. Adipogenic (A) and non-adipogenic (N) clones (n = 10/group) thus identified were bulk RNA-sequenced. A total of 35 cluster of differentiation (CD) genes were identified among differentially expressed transcripts, of which CD13, CD141, CD36, CD55 and CD34 were selected for further testing using flow cytometry in bovine MSCs. All antigens except CD13 were detected at negligible levels. FACS was then used to sort MSCs (n = 4 animals) into CD13+ and CD13- fractions. Sorted CD13+ cells were larger and flatter, grew significantly slower, and expressed substantially higher levels of adipogenic regulators (PPARG and CEBPA) compared to CD13- cells. Moreover, on average, adipogenic efficiency was 10.3-fold higher in CD13+ than CD13- cells, as demonstrated by BODIPY staining and confirmed by differential expression of mature adipocyte markers (FABP4, ADIPOQ, LEP), while expression of alternative lineage markers (chondrogenic and osteogenic) and ability to differentiate into bone and cartilage were both similar for CD13+ and CD13- cells. In summary, we identified CD13 as a bona-fide marker of pre-adipocytes in bovine and demonstrated the potential of using CD13-based cell selection for enriching MSC populations for cultivated fat purposes.

Daily foods contain abundant amounts of nanoparticles produced by the self-assembly of amphiphilic food components during processing. These nanoparticles are referred to as incidental food nanoparticles (iFNPs) because they are formed incidentally rather than through a specific nanoparticle fabrication method. Among them, freshwater clam soup nanoparticles (FCNPs) have potential as nanocarriers, but their capacity as stabilizers for pickering emulsions (PEs) has not yet been explored. This study investigated the feasibility of FCNPs as stabilizers for food-grade PEs. FCNPs were characterized and showed a contact angle of 54.64 ± 1.06°, indicating their suitability for stabilizing O/W PEs. FCNPs stabilized medium-chain triglycerides at different concentrations (1%-5%) and oil fractions (φ = 20%-80%) to form PEs or high internal phase PEs with excellent stability. These PEs were dominated by elastic gel-like and typical shear-thinning behavior. Increasing either the FCNPs concentration or the oil fraction was resulted in emulsions with smaller droplets and higher gel strength. These FCNPs-stabilized PEs were stable at 4 °C for 90 days and across broad ionic strength (0-600 mM) and pH (3-11) ranges, as well as under pasteurization treatments. These findings provide new insight into the development of food-grade PEs by utilizing iFNPs, widely present in daily foods, as a novel class of safe, effective, and 'clean-label' stabilizers.

In this study, soy protein isolate (SPI) was modified by ultrasound combined with laccase, and whey protein (WPI) was introduced to stabilize Pickering emulsions by the interaction between composite protein particles. The results indicated that WPI enhanced the stability of modified SPI nanoparticles through hydrophobic interactions and disulfide bond interactions. The adsorption characteristics of the composite nanoparticles at the oil-water interface were assessed by using a real-time quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). The SPI treated with 300 W ultrasonic-enzyme and cross-linked WPI sample (SW3) has the best apparent viscosity, and can rapidly adsorb and form a film layer at the oil-water interface. The SW3 stable emulsion has a relatively high stirring foaming rate (38.24%) in low-fat cream processing, improving the structural stability of 3D printed products. The findings could provide interesting research significance for the application of 3D printed functional foods and Pickering emulsions in food.

We investigated migration of Ag from model Ag nanoparticle (AgNP)-loaded polyethylene films into bovine milks with varying milkfat content after storage for 10 days at 20 °C. Ag migration into 2% fat milk (2.18 ± 0.03 ng/cm²) was comparable to that observed in skim milk (2.16 ± 0.14 ng/cm²), while whole milk (4% milkfat) had the lowest migration (1.80 ± 0.07 ng/cm²). Notably, Ag migration into skim, 2%, and whole milk was 1.72, 1.69, and 1.40 times higher, respectively, than that into 50% aqueous ethanol, a common simulant for whole milk. At least a portion of the migrated Ag in milk existed as nanoparticles, suggesting that milk components influence the final form of migrated Ag. We explored the behavior of Ag⁺ ions in milks and observed efficient Ag⁺ transformation to Ag⁰ NPs and Ag₂O NPs. Electron microscopy images revealed polydisperse, quasi-spherical Ag particles with sizes ranging from 5 to 70 nm. Milk proteins, particularly casein and whey, play a role in the transformation of dissolved Ag⁺ to nanoparticles, while lactose influences the nanoparticle composition. These findings highlight that Ag interactions with milk components affect Ag migration dynamics and emphasize the need for a better delineation of appropriate food simulants for migration studies with AgNP-containing polymers.

Nanoplastics (NPs) and pathogenic bacteria are widely present in natural water, yet their interactive effects on aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that Vibrio parahaemolyticus can extensively capture free NPs and facilitate their translocation through the intestinal barrier of Litopenaeus vannamei, thereby altering the distribution of NPs within shrimp and exacerbating their accumulation in the hepatopancreas. These findings provide the first evidence that bacteria act as carriers of NPs influencing their translocation. Interestingly, NPs also affect V. parahaemolyticus infection in shrimp by attenuating the virulence of pathogen, as evidenced by downregulated expression of virulence genes (Tdh and Trh), reduced bacterial loads, and improved host survival rates. Single-cell transcriptomics analysis revealed that NPs activate both energy metabolism and immune pathways, collectively enhancing the host's antioxidative capacity and immunocompetence. These findings offer novel insights into the mechanisms of NPs-pathogen-host interactions and provide critical data for assessing the ecological risks of plastic pollution to seafood safety.

This study investigated the impact of rice bran protein (RBP) fibril polymers (PFs) on the properties of mayonnaise-like emulsions. Using RBP with different structures during PFs formation, plant-based emulsions were prepared and evaluated for interfacial protein adsorption (AP%), water-holding capacity (WHC), rheological and textural properties, color, sensory quality, and storage stability. PFs-based emulsions had 11.29% and 16.8% higher AP% values and 43.73% and 107.64% higher WHC values than those of RBP emulsions and homemade mayonnaise, respectively. Texture analysis showed significant improvements in hardness, viscosity, cohesiveness, and springiness. After 30 days, peroxide values in PFs-emulsions were 25.13% lower than those in RBP emulsions and 33.57% lower than homemade mayonnaise; malondialdehyde content was 15.57% and 21.25% lower, respectively. The total viable count of PF aggregate emulsions was 21.51% lower than that of RBP emulsions. These findings highlight the enhanced stability of PFs-based mayonnaise-like emulsions.

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element that bioaccumulates in aquatic organisms, posing health risks through seafood consumption. This study quantified total Hg in canned tuna in oil purchased from supermarkets in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Ecuador. Three commercial brands were analyzed according to market price (A < B < C) using a direct mercury analyzer. Mean Hg concentrations were 0.22 ± 0.10 mg/kg, 0.63 ± 0.10 mg/kg, and 0.36 ± 0.15 mg/kg for brands A, B, and C, respectively. All values complied with international safety limits; however, the non-carcinogenic risk (HQ > 1) associated with methylmercury exposure from brand C exceeded the reference threshold established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Recommended weekly intake of tuna to avoid health risks was estimated at 106 g (children) and 512 g (adults) for A; 26 g and 126 g for B; and 64 g and 307 g for C, respectively.

Alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is a global health burden driven by ethanol-induced steatosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Clam extracts have demonstrated hepatoprotective potential, attributed to abundant bioactive compounds. In this work, clam (Geloina erosa)-derived nanoparticles (CNPs) were isolated via tangential flow filtration and characterized as 62.2 ± 3.0 nm, negatively charged nanoscale particles enriched in phospholipids, diacylglycerols, and bioactive metabolites. Oral administration of CNPs for nine weeks in ethanol-fed mice significantly alleviated ethanol-induced liver injury. CNPs modulated hepatic inflammation by downregulating TLR4/MyD88 signaling and pro-inflammatory cytokines, rebalanced lipid metabolism through suppression of SREBP-1c and activation of PPARα, and restored antioxidant defenses by reactivating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Moreover, CNPs enhanced ethanol detoxification by upregulating ADH and ALDH while inhibiting CYP2E1, and promoted a macrophage phenotype shift toward M2. Restoration of fecal short-chain fatty acids and intestinal retention supported their gut-liver axis activity. These findings suggest that CNPs act as multifunctional nanocarriers delivering endogenous bioactives for AFLD mitigation.